Saikat Mandal's Discussions

With the Barclays Premier League is about to kick off in three days’ time, let’s pull the curtain of a silly season by doing something silly off-course. And there are few sillier things in football…Continue

Reigning European champions Spain drew 1-1 with Italy after Cesc Fabregas cancelled out substitute Antonio Di Natale’s opener in the Group C encounter in Gdansk.It has to be the best game of the…Continue

Germany reached the top of the table in Group B after defeating Portugal by 1-0, courtesy exquisite header from Mario Gomez in the second half.Joachim Loew fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation with Gomez…Continue

Denmark emerged as an unlikely winner after Krohn-Dehli’s first half strike (1-0) sealed the tie in a Group B thrilling encounter against the Dutch.The Dutch created plethora of chances but couldn't…Continue

Saikat Mandal's Blog

It’s a new beginning at Anfield and a very positive one. Liverpool owners have finally found their man. Replacing a club icon is never easy, but in Brendan Rodgers, who has agreed to sign a three-year contract, the club sees a young man with a vision in eye and commitment to attractive football.

It is a smart move from FSG (Fenway Sports Group), the Liverpool owners, who rested their faith on a long-term project while appointing the ex-Reading man.…

The sacking of Kenny Dalglish was greeted with mixed emotions. The die-hard fans of Liverpool, the scousers and those who have been supporting the club since/before Kenny Dalglish joined the club as a player felt it is a very harsh decision despite admitting that the season was a dull campaign from his part.

There are other groups of supporters who are sad to see their beloved “King Kenny” go but understands the psychology of the owners. Gone are those days when time was not a factor…

Real Madrid registered yet another victory at the Santiago Bernabeu. They thumped a resurging Levante 4-2 and in the process extended their lead to 10 points at the top of the table.

The victory brought extra flavor, as Osasuna damaged Barcelona’s title challenge by crushing them 3-2 at home on Saturday night. The stage was set for Madrid to grab the opportunity with both hands. They did, but with extra swagger and style.

For a while forget about ‘that’ rant. Forget about the training ground bust up with his ‘boss’ that caused ruckus in Spanish media and further led many English journalists speculate about Jose Mourinho’s future at the Bernabeu. Sergio Ramos has been the pillar of strength for Los Blancos in their present campaign. Under the Portuguese, Madrid has become one of the best, if not the best, counter-attacking team in the world. However, defence has been exposed many a times this season,…